B006O3T9DG EBOK Read Online Free PDF

with a ball at Pemberley. It took above two years for them to relocate. It was no surprise that other events engulfed them.
    ———
 
 
    Upon learning that his wife was again with child, Darcy was quite adamant that they should postpone the event forthwith. Elizabeth would not hear of it. Unused to his edicts being countermanded, he was less than pleased when his wife did just that.
    “I fancy we shall not abandon our plans,” she said merrily. “Soaked though I am with nature’s fecund blessing, I confess that I should like to dance with my husband one more time ere I become too unduly corpulent to be moved about the dance floor with any part of grace.”
    Mr. Darcy looked at his wife carefully. For a woman of even temper, her moods had been unusually mercurial. It had been his study that when in doubt, it was often wiser to remain silent. Nonetheless, he spoke his mind.
    “Allow us to come to an understanding,” he said. “I shall take you in my arms just as willingly when you are great with child.”
    Accepting the reaffirmation, she gave him an appreciative curtsy.
    He continued, “I do not find emaciation attractive. Ladies who are excessively thin remind me of spiders.”
    As he spoke, he gave a slight shudder.
    Upon occasion, his compliments could be somewhat clumsy (just as often, they were sublime). This one was so genuine that she was highly diverted.
    “In fortune, I am sturdy as a milkmaid,” she told him. “No doubt I shall grow evermore stout with each passing year. If you are as true to your word as I know you are, I am to be assured of your love thenceforward.”
    Taking her in his arms, he told her in all seriousness, “I care not if you grow thin as Lady Caroline Lamb. So long as there is enough flesh for me to hold you near me, I shall be content.”
    The spell, which had been cast over her so delightfully, was broken when the seamstress was announced. Stealing a hasty kiss, she bid him adieu to face the most evil of all taskmasters—the measuring tape.
    Her husband’s speculation in regards to her fluctuating moods was undeniable. She never quite caught him at it, but she had been certain for some time he kept track of her womanly cycle more closely than did she, for he anticipated her in ways that astounded her. Of particular enjoyment was the small spray of flowers that would appear upon her dressing table a day or two before she could expect to become a tad peevish. She knew they were from his hand because they were crudely arranged—and thus all the more treasured.
    It was proof that he was much vexed by country, and county political doings, that she had been above three months gone with child and he had not known of it.
    Although her coming child had plagued her with morning sickness, she was now in high flutter at the notion of taking the first dance in her husband’s arms. It harkened back to the earliest days of their marriage. Her romantic notions notwithstanding, there were far greater reasons not to abandon the ball.
    Most important amongst them was that the invitations had already been posted. Nothing short of a death would be cause to withdraw them. As it was, their family had become a veritable fount of gossip. It mattered not that Bingley had weathered his financial crises with his usual good humour. Bankruptcy was only cause for ostracism if one’s family did not stand behind the bankrupt party. The ball was imperative to show family solidarity.
    Moreover, it was out of season to be in the country. Hence, their guest list would consist of more true friends rather than members of the ton. Amongst others, it would be a welcome opportunity to see her friend, Charlotte Collins. Still, she held out little hope Charlotte would come. It was quite a distance to Hunsford and she had never been a good traveller.
    Gazing upon her own fulsome figure in the looking glass, Elizabeth recalled how fragile Charlotte had been when last she saw her. The passage of time disposed every